Why Singapore Math?
🎒 [Download the Parent Information Packet]
(Includes: homework tips, model examples, and at-home math resources)
We recently hosted a parent workshop with Singapore Math expert Bill Davidson—and the excitement in the room was contagious. This wasn’t just a “math talk.” It was a deep dive into how a uniquely developed, research-based approach is helping students at WHPS become flexible, confident problem-solvers.
If you’ve ever wondered what sets our math program apart—or how you can support your child at home—this post is for you.
-
Singapore Math was developed by Singapore’s Ministry of Education after studying the teaching methods of the world’s top-performing countries. It’s built around a three-step progression:
Concrete → Pictorial → Abstract.That middle step—the pictorial model—is what’s missing in most U.S. math curricula, and it’s the key to deeper understanding. Rather than rushing to algorithms, children learn to see and make sense of math visually and conceptually first.
At WHPS, we adopted this program in 2019—but long before that, we began preparing with intensive teacher training. Why? Because it’s not just the books—it’s the way math is taught that unlocks student potential.
-
If you’ve ever seen a bright child hit a wall in algebra or physics, chances are they were taught to memorize procedures without understanding why they work.
Singapore Math flips that on its head.
Using visual tools like the “bar model” approach, children build lasting, transferable understanding. They don’t just follow steps—they think like mathematicians. That’s why this program is known to produce the strongest critical thinkers in math, year after year.
-
Parents sometimes ask, “Why are we still working on numbers to 20 in Kindergarten when my child can count to 100?”
The answer is: we’re not just counting—we’re building number sense.
We want children to:
Start at 17 and count backward
Skip count by 2s or 5s
Break apart and combine numbers in flexible ways
For example, a child might not recall that 4 x 8 = 32, but they might know 2 x 8 = 16 and build from there. This is mathematical reasoning, not rote memorization—and it sets the foundation for advanced thinking down the road.
-
Don’t expect drill-and-kill worksheets. Homework is usually brief (3–4 problems) but rich with multi-step reasoning. If your child gets stuck, we encourage them to draw a bar model to visualize the problem.
In fact, our parent handout includes tips for guiding your child at home—especially when the work challenges them to think deeper.
-
Traditional textbooks often ask children to copy problems from a page. For students with dyslexia, fine motor delays, or ADHD, that can become a barrier to learning.
Not with this program.
There’s less “transfer,” meaning children can focus on thinking, not copying. Built-in scaffolds, like partially completed examples, support all learners while keeping the focus on problem-solving.
🔧 What Are “Bar Models”?
This visual problem-solving tool is introduced in early elementary and becomes a powerful method for tackling fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, and multi-step word problems.
There are two main types:
📊 Comparison Models
Used to compare two or more quantities (e.g., John weighs 15 kg more than Sam). Students learn to start with equal bars and visually show differences.
🧩 Part-Whole Models
Used when a total is split into parts (or vice versa). These models help students think flexibly about wholes, differences, and missing parts—and adapt their models as problems grow in complexity.
These models teach students to think through a problem, not just “solve” it.
🧰 Great At-Home Resources
Want to explore more? Here are some WHPS-recommended resources to use at home:
● Thinking Blocks – Fun bar model games for all levels
● E-Singapore Math Games – Grade-level games aligned with our program (subscription)
● Math Snacks – Number sense games (iPad friendly)
● IXL Math – Practice by grade level (not program-aligned, but still great for fluency)
